There are few options open to the rump core of an empire after resource extraction is no longer effectively free. Intentionally becoming more isolated, stagnant, and falling behind neighbouring nations, while also experiencing reveries about a halcyon past is, I think, an unresolved contradiction.

A pragmatic, self-interested approach to keeping the lights on in a country with an ageing population and no longer any manufacturing capabilities would surely attempt to appeal to international workers in a form of ‘trade’, i.e. an exchange of labour for goods and services, benefits, citizenship.

It would be tantamount to self-sabotage, given the available options, to spend so many remaining resources on making immigration to the rump core of the empire as difficult and undesirable as possible.

-Nate O.